The new musical will be produced by Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson and will feature a score by Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, the threesome who created hits for Martha and The Vandellas, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and The Supremes. The songwriters will compose original tunes for the musical, which will likely feature some of their hit tunes as well.
Among the numerous hits penned by the team of Holland, Dozier and Holland are "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)," "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "You Can't Hurry Love" and "I Can't Help Myself." In a statement, producer Lambert said, "Holland-Dozier-Holland are American music royalty — according to BMI their music gets more airplay than the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined. By matching their musical genius with the resonant franchise story of 'The First Wives Club' we have found a great formula for bringing a thrilling new theatrical experience to Broadway."
And, composer Dozier added, "I didn't think it was possible to find the perfect project to reunite us. But when Paul came to us with this one, we knew there would never be a better opportunity to apply our talents to today's contemporary audience. We are excited to be back together to bring our unique songwriting style to Broadway."
The producers, according to the press statement, are currently "in discussions with major directors in New York and London and are interviewing some of theatre's greatest comedy writers to write the book."
The 1996 film "The First Wives Club" — about three divorced women who seek revenge on their former husbands — was based on Olivia Goldsmith's novel and featured a screenplay by Robert Harling. The motion picture grossed over $130 million and boasted a star-studded cast comprising Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Maggie Smith, Dan Hedaya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stockard Channing, Victor Garber, Stephen Collins, Elizabeth Berkley, Marcia Gay Harden and Bronson Pinchot. For more information, visit www.fwcthemusical.com.
